How Babywearing Can Bring You Freedom and Connection 💛 From Your Homesteading Doula

Feeling stuck? Your baby wants to be held every waking moment, and you have things that need to be done. You’re not alone—many moms face this struggle. Your baby’s happiest when snuggled close to you, where they can hear your heartbeat, feel your warmth, and smell your familiar scent. But what if you could have the best of both worlds—nurturing your baby’s need for closeness while still getting things done? Babywearing may be the answer.

How Babywearing Changed My Life

I’m that "weirdo" you’ve probably seen at Walmart with a baby strapped to the front and another to the back. Trust me, I’ve been there. Last year, I had the opportunity to babysit two babies under a year old. It was hectic, to say the least. But some days, I just needed to get out of the house. However, after an hour-long drive to town, I felt like the babies needed to stretch out of their car seats. Plus, let’s be real—how are you supposed to shop with two baby car seats in your cart?

So, I decided to make things work with babywearing. My youngest was just four months old, and I popped her in my cuddle wrap (a long piece of fabric I’d already had on before even leaving home). My 10-month-old? She went on my back in my Ergo carrier. Both babies were happy, content, and upright, able to see the world around them. It was a game changer.

Having a little hand mirror or even using your phone camera can be super helpful if you need to check in on your little one or adjust their soother. And let me tell you, there are always kind people around who are happy to help you if you need it! Sure, going to town was still a lot of work, but babywearing made it doable. The one-stop shopping and drive-thru pit stop were all I could manage in those days, but it made me feel like I could leave the house again without feeling housebound.

Babywearing on the Farm: How It Made Life Possible

When it comes to farm life, babywearing was my secret weapon. I had to wear my babies to get anything done—whether it was mowing the lawn, feeding the chickens, or tackling household chores. I had three carriers that I rotated depending on the task at hand:

1. Cuddle Wrap: This was my go-to for younger babies. It was soft, snug, and kept my baby close. It was perfect for outdoor chores, like mowing the lawn, or just spending time outside.

   2. Ring Sling: If I could only have one carrier from newborn to toddler, it would be this one. It’s the most adaptable option for babies as they grow. Whether I needed to cook, clean, or do farm work, the ring sling was always there to keep my little one close.

3. Ergo Carrier: This one was a bit more expensive but absolutely worth it once my babies were six months and up. When they got to be about 10 months old, I’d often wear them on my back in the Ergo, which gave me more freedom and allowed my baby to see the world while I got things done.

Each carrier had its time and place. I’d use the cuddle wrap in the early months for its coziness, the ring sling when I needed versatility, and the Ergo for longer periods when my babies were older.

Why I Always Wear Baby Facing Me (Not Forward-Facing)

I’m a firm believer in always wearing a baby facing my body—never forward-facing. Here’s why: When a baby is facing outward, there’s nowhere for them to turn when they’re overstimulated. People get right up in their faces, and they have no way to shut it out. But when a baby is facing me, they can bury their face into my chest or neck, which gives them a safe space to relax. It’s also way more comfortable if they fall asleep because they’re supported and cuddled close to you.

Babywearing Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

If your baby doesn’t seem to like being worn at first, don’t get discouraged. I truly believe that babies don’t like being worn when you’re standing still—move with a purpose. Babies are used to movement and rhythm. When you start walking or doing light tasks, they’ll quickly settle in. After all, they were just carried for nine months in your belly, so it’s natural for them to want that comfort and closeness again.

The Freedom You Deserve

I really hope this helps you feel some freedom, mama. Babywearing isn’t just about getting things done—though that’s a huge perk! It’s about feeling like you can do something for yourself again, even when you feel tied to your little one. It’s about getting outside, doing chores, and enjoying life while also keeping your baby close and happy.

Whether you’re gardening, running errands, or just trying to get some work done around the house, babywearing gives you the freedom to live your life *and* bond with your baby at the same time.

Are You Ready to Get Moving, Mama?

If you're ready to give babywearing a try, I encourage you to explore different carriers to find the one that works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and remember, it’s all about making it work for you and your baby. 

Here's to the freedom and connection that babywearing brings—one step at a time.

Feel like you’ve found your balance with babywearing? Or are you ready to try it out? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Reach out if you have questions, or if you want personalized tips to make babywearing work for you.